Saratov Airlines open Embraer E195 line station at Domodedovo

The new facility of Saratov Airlines in Domodedovo will perform daily and bi-weekly checks on E195 (Leonid Faerberg / Transport-Photo.com)

Saratov Airlines are opening a line maintenance station at its Moscow base airport, Domodedovo. The airline announced it had received approval from the aviation authorities of Bermuda (BCAA) for line maintenance on all modifications of Embraer E195 (ERJ190-200) regional jets. The airline explained that the effort is a part of “a preparation program for fleet expansion and further network development.”

The new facility will be able to perform daily and bi-weekly checks on all modifications of the aircraft. The operator fitted the station with all necessary equipment and materials, and trained its engineering staff.

Saratov Airlines was the first Russian operator to obtain BCAA approval for the Brazilian aircraft in February 2015. At its main base in Saratov the airline performs all types of line maintenance, including A-check. 

The airline currently operates two E195s and expects to take delivery of two more Embraers, one on April 20, and the other by May. It also has five An-148-100Vs and the same number of Yak-42Ds in its fleet.

In March 2018 one of the airline’s Embraer 195s was sent to Poland’s Linetech for a C-check, and the second was to follow. This was required because there is no Russian provider approved for base maintenance on the type.

Saratov Airline has its Air Operator Certificate validation period restricted to April 27 in the aftermath of a An-148 crash. The Russian aviation authorities suggested the airline to voluntarily stop operations, but it intends to lift all restrictions.